India Gets Afrezza, the Fastest Inhaled Insulin in the World
Reviving Diabetes Treatment: India Gets Afrezza, the Fastest Insulin in the World
Cipla has received regulatory approval to introduce Afrezza, the first ultra-rapid-acting inhaled insulin in the world, in India, marking a revolutionary advancement in the treatment of diabetes. This ground-breaking invention, which provides a needle-free substitute for conventional insulin injections, is poised to revolutionize the management of diabetes.
Afrezza: What is it?
Within minutes of delivery, the inhaled insulin Afrezza provides quick glycemic control. Afrezza is the fastest insulin on the market, reaching peak action in 12 to 15 minutes, in contrast to regular injectable insulin, which takes longer to absorb into the bloodstream. It is intended to be taken before to meals and mimics the body’s natural insulin secretion to produce a more natural insulin response.
Technological Innovation Behind Afrezza:
The technological innovation of Afrezza is the formulation of human insulin into a dry powder using a special Technosphere® technology. A discrete, compact inhaler is used to dispense this powder, which comes in single-use cartridge form. The powder quickly dissolves in the lungs’ alveolar lining upon inhalation, facilitating insulin’s quick entry into the bloodstream.
Rapid absorption is made possible by the high surface area and porosity of the Technosphere® particles. Compared to conventional subcutaneous injections, this design guarantees effective insulin delivery and more closely resembles the body’s natural insulin response.
Distinguishing Afrezza from Traditional Insulin Therapies:
How to Tell Afrezza Apart from Conventional Insulin Treatments:
Afrezza differs from traditional insulin therapy in a number of important ways:
1. Administration Route: Afrezza is inhaled, as opposed to injectable insulins, which eliminates the need for needles and lessens the agony and anxiety associated with injections.
2. Onset and Duration of Action: Afrezza starts to reduce blood sugar levels around 12 minutes after being administered, and its effects last for two to three hours. The body’s physiological insulin response to meals is closely matched by this quick onset and shorter duration, which may lessen postprandial glucose excursions.
3. Convenience and Discretion: The small and user-friendly inhaler device makes it possible to administer medication discreetly, which can enhance adherence, particularly in social or professional contexts
4.Decreased Hypoglycemia Risk: Compared to longer-acting insulins, Afrezza may have a lower risk of late postprandial hypoglycemia because of its quick bloodstream clearance.
Clinical Evidence Supporting Afrezza
Afrezza has been shown to be safe and effective in treating patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes in clinical trials. HbA1c levels were significantly lowered when Afrezza was added to oral antidiabetic drugs in a Phase 3 clinical trial with 216 participants in India. This result highlights the potential of Afrezza as a successful insulin treatment at mealtimes.
Additionally, research has shown that patients on Afrezza have glycemic control that is comparable to that of those receiving rapid-acting injectable insulins. Because Afrezza is administered non-invasively, patients also benefit from fewer hypoglycemia episodes and higher levels of treatment satisfaction.
Regulatory Approval and Availability in India
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) gave Cipla permission to distribute and sell Afrezza in India in December 2024. This approval, which gives patients a new and less invasive insulin delivery alternative, represents a major turning point in the nation’s diabetes care.
Cipla’s extensive distribution network is poised to make Afrezza accessible to a broad patient population across India, including those in remote and underserved regions. This effort corresponds with Cipla’s mission to enhance healthcare outcomes by offering novel treatments that meet unmet medical needs.
Is Afrezza safe for Lungs ?
Afrezza® is not for use in people with chronic lung disease such as asthma and COPD. It is not known if Afrezza® is safe and effective for use in people who smoke. Afrezza® is not for use in people who smoke or have recently stopped smoking (less than 6 months).
Afrezza’s main advantages are:
Convenient & Needle-Free – No more uncomfortable pricks—just take a breath and go!
Ultra-Rapid Action: Helps regulate post-meal sugar increases by starting to work within minutes.
Better Compliance: Simpler to use, particularly for people who have injection anxiety.
Hypoglycemia risk is decreased by mimicking the natural insulin response.
For India, why is this a game-changer?
With more than 77 million diabetics, India is frequently referred to as the diabetes capital of the world. In order to control their blood sugar levels, many people need several injections every day. The launch of Afrezza provides a simple, practical, and efficient substitute that promotes more adherence and enhances general quality of life.
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